NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF/Nashville Banner) — For decades, the United States has welcomed guest workers under an array of government programs that allow U.S. businesses to hire temporary, seasonal labor.
For example, more than 600 entities in Tennessee utilize the H-2A program, which has bolstered farmers and agricultural businesses for more than 70 years.
Holtkamp Greenhouses Inc. in East Nashville is the country’s primary supplier of African violets and annually employs H-2A recipients for 10 months at a time. Owner Reinhold Holtkamp fears the promises of mass deportations and a crackdown on immigration by President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office in a little more than a week, will negatively impact that program and — subsequently — his business.
“We have like 12 different nationalities here at the company,” Holtkamp said. “And really, your requirement is to want to work. … I’m a little bit concerned, of course, about the rhetoric that is going on. And it does leave room for harsh action.
“ … These people have come for various reasons and as a country, we need guest workers.”
My friend and colleague Carrie Sharp had a lot of fun last week, on an adventure to a country more than three thousand miles away! She’s back now – sharing her Adventures in Iceland through stories, and incredible images of this remarkably beautiful and unique island nation (kudos to Chief Photographer Catherine Steward)! But did you know Nashville has something very important in common with Iceland? Tourism! Here, Carrie explains how a volcanic eruption decades ago helped save the country’s economy from collapse!
-Rhori Johnston
